Unlocking Silent Histories is entering an expansion phase where we will continue to build upon our existing program model by forming partnerships with local, indigenous-run organizations in Guatemala and other parts of Latin America. If you represent or can connect us to an organization that is interested in partnership with us, please contact us!

MAYA TRADITIONS

Our collaboration with the Maya Traditions Foundation began in 2012 and developed into a solidified partnership in 2014. This partnership enabled us to build trust among communities and create strong connections with Maya youth. MTF has supported USH by offering staff to coordinate our efforts and translate lessons, course materials, and the documentaries created by the youth. They also provide work spaces, sleeping accommodations, and youth supervision. We have worked in a total of 7 communities with MTF: San Juan la Laguna, Santa Clara la Laguna, Chirijox, Chuacruz, Patanatic, Quejel, and Nahualá.. See their video!

ADECCAP

In 2015, we formalized a partnership with ADECCAP, expanding our organization with the opening of this new chapter. ADECCAP is an organization under indigenous Maya leadership in Santiago Atitlán. The purpose of ADECCAP is to strengthen spaces for youth participation, promoting processes of formation and capacity-building to give opportunities to young people in their social, economic, political and cultural development, in order to exercise responsible and critical citizenship, with gender equity and cultural relevance, within a framework of environmental risk management for a holistic approach to community development.

YO RESPONDO y TU

In 2015, we also began working with the organization Yo Respondo y Tu. This locally established, Maya-Run organization aims to promote the participation of the young people who have concerns and desire to bring actions on behalf of their environment through volunteering, with which we intend to build solidarity, the common good, healthy living and responsible participation generating benefits strengthening community and youth leaders.

NATIK ESPERAZA

In 2016, Unlocking Silent Histories formed a partnership with Natik Esperanza, an organization operating in Santiago Atitlán and Chiapas, Mexico to empower marginalized communities by supporting local grassroots organizations. Natik has worked in Santiago Atitlán for many years to combat educational and economic inequalities, acting as an international collaborator and a local partner, and ensuring that communities have access to 21st-century tools, research, and fundraising options.

Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club

USH is excited to announce its first United States Chapter, a collaboration with the Lumbee Boys & Girls Club in Pembroke, North Carolina. The partnership is funded by The First Nation’s Development Institute of Longmont, CO. The Lumbee Tribe adoption and implementation of USH began in September 2016 and is funded through July 2017. We are simply ecstatic!